The White Sox retain their big right-handed bat in the line-up, with a deal for 5 years at 60 million.  After being pursued by the Orioles, Dodgers and Angels, he decides to take a slight hometown discount.  White Sox plan to use right-handers Jermaine Dye and Konerko to sandwich newly acquired lefty bat DH Jim Thome from the Phillies - who was dealt for CF Aaron Rowand.  White Sox are planning on shifting LF Scott Podsednik to CF, and bring up farmhand Brian Anderson. 

Phillies now have solved their CF issue, with Kenny Lofton a free agent, and no longer have to worry about splitting time between Thome and ROY Ryan Howard at first base.  The Phillies staff was able to unload Thome’s contract, who is still owed 43.5 million over 3 years remaining on his contract.